THE RESEARCH BEHIND THE WORK

Dr Pip's work reflects an ongoing commitment to exploring emerging athlete pathways through an existential and humanistic lens — embedding that philosophy into practical frameworks that enhance both athletic and personal development in pathway environments. This includes the self-efficacy trifecta, the connection and relational intelligence framework, and the four pillars whole athlete development approach.

2026 Fulbright Scholar Project: An international research collaboration focused on athlete transition and pathway development in the United States; focused on the experiences of New Zealand student-athletes navigating US collegiate programmes. The transitional demands they face. The institutional responsibility to support them.

Published Research

Thomas, P.G., Walters, S., Lucas, P. & Oldham, T. (2026). The give and take of social support in professional athlete career pathways. Journal of Sports Sciences.

Thomas, P.G., Lucas, P., Walters, S. & Oldham, T. (2024). Emerging athletes' career transitions in professional sport: an existential multi-case perspective. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 6.

PhD thesis: Emerging Athlete's Transition in Professional Sport: An Existential Multi-Case Perspective. Auckland University of Technology, 2024.